The auto infotainment game just got a new major player. Google officially announced its rival to Apple's CarPlay system today. Called Android Auto, the new system is designed to incorporate a driver's Android smartphone seamlessly into the dash of a car.

Announced this morning at Google's annual technology conference in San Francisco, Android Auto is the first product from the Open Automotive Alliance, a partnership between Google, tech giants like NVidia, and a wide array of automakers, including FiatChrysler Automobiles, Audi, Honda, Volvo, and many others. Like CarPlay, Android Auto is designed to make it easier and safer to stay connected while on the go. By connecting their Android smartphone to Android Auto-equipped vehicles via USB port, drivers can essentially mirror their phone screens onto the infotainment display of the vehicle.With the phone synced up to Android Auto, drivers will be able to access apps like Google Search, Google Maps, Google Play Music, and a wide variety of auto-optimized third-party apps, including Spotify, Pandora, MLB Game Day, and more.

Like CarPlay. Android Auto likely will complement instead of replace existing infotainment systems. For example, newer Audis equipped with the latest version of MMI, will be able to seamlessly switch back and forth from Android Auto to the MMI system currently available today.Android Auto will likely make its way into vehicles soon. Audi and Hyundai will be among the first to incorporate Android Auto in their cars. Audi will make it available in all new-for-2015 models like the A3, while Hyundai will offer it in select 2015 vehicles like the new Sonata. Volvo will begin rolling out Android Auto on all of its new vehicles, beginning with the 2016 XC90. Honda, GM, FCA, Ford, Kia, Nissan, and the handful of other automakers in the Open Automotive Alliance will announce their Android Auto plans at a later date.

This, along with Apple's system, is long overdue. Car tech, especially navigation, simply cannot keep up with the latest advancements. I wonder if several years from now systems like these will end up replacing most in car infotainment systems. At the very least they should become an inexpensive option in all cars with touch screens.